Trial set for woman’s sixth OVI

0

A trial has been set for a Bucyrus woman charged with her sixth OVI in Delaware County Common Pleas Court.

Jessica A. John, 37, appeared in court Friday morning where she entered a not guilty plea to three counts of operating vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fourth degree felonies.

Assistant Delaware County Prosecutor Mark Sleeper said at the arraignment that on Dec. 11, 2016 John was driving a vehicle in Delaware and was driving on the wrong side of the road. Officers conducted a traffic stop and smelled alcohol on John, who said she had had a few drinks but refused to take a sobriety test.

Sleeper said John was taken into custody and police obtained a warrant for a blood sample, which revealed she had a blood alcohol level of .215, more than three times the legal limit.

Sleeper said John has been convicted of OVI five times previously in Franklin County and Shelby County.

Delaware County Common Pleas Magistrate Kristin Schultz accepted John’s not guilty plea and scheduled her for a trial on June 29. Schultz released John on a recognizance bond but stipulated that she is not allowed to drive during the case. Schultz said John faces a $5,000 fine if she violates the conditions of her bond.

Schultz added that John faces between six to 18 months in prison for each charge if she convicted. Schultz said John may also be required to get special plates and an ignition interlock if she is found guilty.

After entering the not guilty plea, John’s attorney, Jeff Fogel, said that John is looking forward to defending herself.

By Glenn Battishill

[email protected]

Glenn Battishill can be reached at 740-413-0903 or on Twitter @BattishillDG.

No posts to display